Planning permission granted for 2 biomass CHP plants in the U.K.

U.K.-based Estover Energy Ltd. has been granted planning permission for two biomass combined-heat-and-power (CHP) plants. One facility is planned for development at Aesica Pharmaceuticals in Cramlington, England; the other will be located at Stoneywood Paper Mill in the Bucksburn area of Aberdeen, Scotland. Estover Energy announced the filing of planning applications for the facilities in Sept. 2012.

According to Estover Energy, the planning application for the Aberdeen plant was unanimously approved by the Aberdeen City Council’s development management subcommittee. Once complete, the facility will provide heat and power to the paper mill, and supply excess power to the grid. It is also possible the CHP plant could provide district heating to local businesses and homes in the future.

“This decision is extremely good news; it will help to reduce energy costs, lower our carbon footprint and secure jobs for the paper mill’s future,” said Angus MacSween, Stoneywood Mill general manager.

Information released by Estover Energy states that the facility will take in low-grade wood from local forestry operations as feedstock. Agreements are already in place with a consortium of local forestry owners to provide feedstock to the plant.

The proposed 25 MW Cramlington plant will also take in low-grade, locally-sourced wood as feedstock. Once complete, the facility will provide heat and power to the pharmaceuticals plant, as well as provide electricity to the national grid.

Each plant is expected to create up to 40 direct jobs, including 20 at each plant and 20 in each community’s forestry and transportation sectors.